Havana Cuba Travel Guide: Classic Cars, Old Havana, El Capitolio & My First Cuban Adventure
- Apr 6, 2022
- 17 min read
There are some destinations that feel like they belong to another era, and for me, Havana, Cuba was one of them.
Before I even landed, Cuba already felt mysterious. It was a country I had heard about growing up in the Philippines — a place connected to revolution, Che Guevara shirts, old cars, communism, colorful streets, music, and stories that always seemed slightly out of reach.
So when I finally had the chance to visit Havana, it felt more than just another trip. It felt like entering a living museum.
My journey to Cuba started from Mexico. I had to arrange my Cuban travel document through the Embajada de Cuba in Mexico City, then continued to Cancun before flying to Havana. From the moment I arrived at José Martí International Airport and stepped into a classic 1950s car, I knew Cuba was going to be different from anywhere I had been before.
This is my personal Havana Cuba travel guide — part travel diary, part practical guide — for first-time visitors who want to experience Old Havana, classic cars, architecture, mojitos, local culture, and the nostalgic beauty of Cuba.
About Cuba for First-Time Visitors
Country: Cuba
Capital: Havana
Region: Caribbean
Currency: Cuban Peso, also called CUP
Language: Spanish
Best Time to Visit: November to April for cooler and drier weather
Main International Airport: José Martí International Airport in Havana
Known For: Classic cars, Old Havana, Cuban music, colonial architecture, cigars, rum, beaches, revolution history, and Caribbean culture
How I Entered: I flew from Cancun, Mexico to Havana
How Long to Stay: At least 3 to 4 days in Havana if it is your first time
Best For: Culture lovers, architecture fans, photographers, history travelers, solo travelers, and people who enjoy slow, atmospheric cities
Important entry reminder: Cuba currently requires travelers to complete the D’Viajeros online arrival form before entering the country. UK government travel advice says the form must be completed within 72 hours before entry, and travelers receive a QR code that can be shown electronically or printed. Airlines may also check the form at check-in.
Money note: Cuba’s old dual-currency system has changed. The CUC is no longer used, and the Cuban Peso, or CUP, is now the official currency. However, money can still be complicated for travelers because cash access, card payments, exchange rates, and ATM reliability may vary.
Internet note: Internet in Cuba can be slow and inconsistent. Tourist SIM options exist, including Cubacel Tur, which offers temporary mobile plans for visitors, but travelers should still prepare offline maps, screenshots, and backup plans before arrival.
Getting My Cuba Visa in Mexico City
My Cuba journey began before I even reached the island.
While I was in Mexico City, I went to the Embajada de Cuba to arrange my Cuban travel document. From my hotel in the Colonial Zone, I took a pink taxi to the embassy, paying around 50 Mexican pesos one way. It was a simple ride, but it already felt like the beginning of something exciting.
When I arrived, the first challenge was the language barrier. The receptionist spoke Spanish, and I was trying to understand the process as best as I could. Luckily, someone working inside spoke English and helped me complete the transaction.
After paying the required fee, I waited only a few minutes before receiving my visa card.
That small document felt like a golden ticket. It was the piece of paper that would finally let me enter Cuba — a place I had been curious about for years.
Personal travel tip:If you are applying for any visa or travel document abroad, always bring extra cash, passport copies, your flight details, and your accommodation address. Even when the process seems simple, having everything ready saves stress.
How I Booked My Flight to Havana
One thing I learned quickly while planning my Cuba trip is that booking flights to Havana is not always as straightforward as booking other Caribbean destinations.
When I searched on Expedia, Havana flights did not display properly for me. Because of that, I booked my flight through a website called Cuba Travel Network instead.
From my experience, they were responsive to my emails, which gave me more confidence while planning the trip. At that time, Cuba felt like a destination where I wanted extra reassurance before booking anything. It was not like booking a quick weekend trip to a fully connected resort island. I wanted to make sure my flight details, arrival plans, and travel documents were clear before I left Mexico.
Cuba Travel Network was also useful because they offered other travel services such as hotels, transportation, and excursions. Even though I personally booked my accommodation and tours through Airbnb, it was good to know there was a Cuba-focused booking platform where travelers could arrange several parts of the trip in one place.
My advice:If Expedia or other major booking platforms do not show the Havana flight options you need, check Cuba-focused travel booking websites and airline websites directly. For Cuba, always confirm your booking details carefully before paying.
From Cancun to Havana: My Arrival in Cuba
After getting my Cuba travel document in Mexico City, I spent a couple of days in Cancun before flying to Havana.
Cancun was bright, tropical, and beachy — a sharp contrast to the Cuba I imagined. Then came departure day.
On April 23 at 8:10 AM, I boarded my Interjet flight from Cancun to Havana.
The flight was short and smooth, around two hours. But as we started descending into Cuba, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and nervousness.
I knew Cuba had stricter systems than many tourist destinations, and because of its political history, I expected immigration to feel serious. When I reached the immigration counter, I presented my documents confidently and hoped everything would go smoothly.
Thankfully, the process was fast. I was granted entry without problems.
Stepping into the arrival area of José Martí International Airport, I noticed the architecture immediately. The terminal had white and red concrete elements, giving it a nostalgic and slightly old-world feeling. It did not feel like a modern airport trying to impress you. It felt like Cuba — practical, historic, and different.
My First Classic Car Ride in Havana
When I walked outside the airport, I was greeted by the taxi transfer arranged through my Airbnb host.
Then I saw them.
Classic cars.
Parked around the airport were the colorful vintage cars that Cuba is famous for. It was one of those travel moments where the image in your imagination suddenly becomes real.
I stepped into a charming 1950s classic car, and that became my first ride through Havana.
The city started revealing itself slowly through the window — old buildings, wide roads, faded colors, tropical heat, and a rhythm that felt completely different from Cancun or Mexico City.
It was not just a transfer. It was my first real introduction to Cuba.
Where I Stayed in Havana
For my accommodation, I booked an Airbnb near the coast, close to the Máximo Gómez monument.
This turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in Havana.
I personally preferred Airbnb for this trip because of its proximity to the interesting spots I wanted to visit. I did not want to stay somewhere far from the places that made Havana special. I wanted to be close to the coast, Old Havana, restaurants, historic streets, and major landmarks.
From my accommodation, I could easily reach El Capitolio, Paseo del Prado, and the surrounding streets of Old Havana. A single turn from where I was staying already led me toward some of the most beautiful parts of the city.
My Airbnb host also became very helpful for practical things. He helped arrange my airport transfer, guided me with money exchange, and made the arrival experience less stressful. In Cuba, that kind of local help matters a lot.
My accommodation also had internet, which sounded promising at first, but the connection was very slow. Still, having even limited internet access at the accommodation was better than relying entirely on public Wi-Fi.
In Cuba, your accommodation is more than just a place to sleep. A good location and a helpful host can make the difference between feeling lost and feeling grounded in a city that does not always work like other destinations.
Booking Airport Transfers and Excursions in Havana
If it is your first time visiting Cuba, I recommend arranging your first airport transfer before you arrive.
My airport transfer was booked through my Airbnb host, and I was glad I did it that way. Internet can be unreliable after landing, and Cuba is not the type of destination where I would want to arrive completely unprepared.
For excursions, I also used Airbnb. My classic car tour was booked there, and the meeting point was conveniently close to my accommodation near the Bacardi Building. This made the experience simple because I did not have to figure out complicated transportation on my own.
You can also check Cuba-focused travel booking websites for hotels, transfers, and excursions, especially if you want to arrange multiple things in advance. But for my trip, Airbnb worked well because it connected my accommodation, transfer, and activities in a practical way.
My practical advice:For Cuba, do not rely on last-minute searching after arrival. Book your first transfer, save your accommodation details offline, and confirm your activity meeting points before you fly.
Money in Cuba: What I Experienced and What Has Changed
Money in Cuba was one of the most confusing parts of my trip.
During my visit, Cuba still had a dual-currency system. Tourists commonly used CUC, while locals mainly used CUP. Because of this, I had to be more careful with money than I usually would in other countries.
At that time, ATMs were hard to find, and I did not want to waste my limited time in Havana searching for one. Instead, my Airbnb host helped me exchange my money, which made the process much easier. Having a helpful local host made a big difference because he also gave me practical advice about getting around, arranging transfers, and understanding how things worked in the city.
This is one reason I appreciated booking an Airbnb in Havana. It was not just about having a place to sleep. In Cuba, a good host can become a useful local contact, especially for practical things like money exchange, airport transfer, internet access, and activity arrangements.
However, Cuba’s money system has changed since my trip. The CUC is no longer in circulation, and the Cuban Peso, or CUP, is now the official currency. Even with this change, money in Cuba can still be confusing for travelers because exchange rates, cash access, card payments, and ATM reliability may vary.
Cuba also remains a very cash-heavy economy. Recent reporting notes that Cuba has introduced larger banknotes to make cash transactions easier during the country’s ongoing economic difficulties, which is another reminder that travelers should prepare carefully before arrival.
My advice is to bring enough cash, ask your accommodation host for updated money exchange advice, and check the latest Cuba travel information before you arrive. Do not rely fully on ATMs or cards, especially if it is your first time visiting.
Personal tip:For Cuba, your accommodation host can be more than just the person who gives you the keys. A helpful host can guide you through the practical side of the country — money, transport, internet, and local advice — especially when things are not as straightforward as they are in other destinations.
Internet in Cuba: What to Expect
Internet access was one of the biggest struggles during my Cuba trip.
Public Wi-Fi was very scarce, and even though my accommodation had internet, the connection was very slow. This made simple things like checking maps, sending messages, or searching for travel information harder than usual.
Because of this, Cuba is a destination where you really need to prepare offline before arrival. Download offline maps, save your accommodation address, screenshot your bookings, and keep important travel documents accessible on your phone.
As for eSIMs, I would not present Cuba the same way as other destinations. Based on current travel options, tourist mobile data is available through Cubacel Tur, which offers temporary tourist SIM plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
However, I would still not rely completely on mobile data in Cuba. Coverage, speed, setup, and availability may not feel as smooth as in other countries. Some services allow travelers to pre-order a tourist SIM, and some tourist SIM guides mention pickup at airports or ETECSA offices, but travelers should still prepare offline backups.
So instead of assuming an eSIM will solve everything, I would treat internet in Cuba as something uncertain.
Exploring Havana on My Own with an Offline Map
One of my favorite parts of Havana was my DIY city tour.
At the time, I did not have reliable mobile data, so I used an offline map to guide myself around the city. This made the experience feel more adventurous. I was not following a strict tour group or rushing between attractions. I was walking, observing, and letting curiosity decide where to go next.
Havana is a city made for slow wandering.
The buildings felt old but beautiful. Some were grand and elegant, while others were weathered and fading. But together, they created that unmistakable Havana atmosphere — colorful, historic, imperfect, and full of character.
As an architect, I found myself constantly looking upward. Balconies, columns, old facades, arches, plazas, and decorative details were everywhere. Havana felt like an open-air architecture museum, but one still full of real life.
I also noticed tourists from different parts of the world, including a group from Belgium. Some were drinking mojitos in the daytime, others were dancing to live Cuban music, and the sound of maracas filled the air.
There was music, tobacco, laughter, heat, history, and movement all around me.
Despite walking alone, I felt safe. There were uniformed officers around the streets, and Havana gave me a sense of comfort as a solo traveler.
By the end of the day, I found myself enjoying dinner and a mojito at a nearby bar, close to my accommodation. It was simple, but it felt perfect.
Recommended Things to Do in Havana for First-Time Visitors
1. Walk Around Old Havana
Old Havana is the heart of the city’s charm.
This is where you can experience colonial buildings, colorful streets, plazas, local music, cafes, old cars, and that nostalgic atmosphere Cuba is famous for.
The best way to explore is on foot. Do not rush. Let yourself get lost a little.
Old Havana is not just about checking landmarks. It is about feeling the rhythm of the city.
2. Take a Classic Car Tour
The next day, I joined a shared tour booked through Airbnb.
The meeting point was conveniently near the Bacardi Building, just a few steps from my accommodation. The highlight of the tour was the transportation itself — a bright red 1950s classic convertible car with the top down.
The driver was proud of his vehicle, and honestly, he had every reason to be.
Riding through Havana in that classic car was one of the most iconic travel experiences I had in Cuba. It felt cinematic. The wind, the colors, the buildings, the sea, the old roads — everything came together.
Our guide spoke fluent English and shared stories about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks.
During the tour, we passed or visited places such as:
Bacardi Building
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of the Revolution
José Martí Statue
Máximo Gómez Statue
Malecón
Hotel Nacional
US Embassy area
Miramar
La Rampa
Fusterlandia
Paseo del Prado
Riviera and Meliá Cohiba areas
The tour was not just about sightseeing. It helped me understand Havana better.
3. Visit El Capitolio
Of all the buildings I saw in Havana, El Capitolio left the strongest impression on me.
It was massive, elegant, and unforgettable.
The first time I saw it, I was genuinely amazed by its scale. The dome, the columns, the symmetry, the ornaments — everything about it felt grand. As someone who loves architecture, I could not stop admiring the details.
El Capitolio felt like a symbol of Havana’s old glory.
Unfortunately, during my visit, I was not able to go inside because interior access was restricted at that time. That was a little disappointing, but even from the outside, it was still one of the most impressive buildings I had ever seen.
Sometimes, a building does not need to be entered to be remembered.
4. Walk Along the Malecón
The Malecón is one of Havana’s most iconic waterfront areas.
It is the kind of place where you go not just to take photos, but to feel the city breathe. Locals gather there, cars pass by, waves crash against the seawall, and the skyline of Havana stretches beside the sea.
If you are staying near the coast like I did, walking near the Malecón is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Havana without spending much.
Go around sunset if you can.
5. Visit the Bacardi Building
The Bacardi Building was close to my accommodation and also became the meeting point for my tour.
It is one of Havana’s most beautiful Art Deco buildings and a great stop if you enjoy architecture. Even from the outside, it has a strong presence.
For travelers who love old buildings, Havana has so many architectural surprises, and the Bacardi Building is one of them.
6. Learn About Cuba’s Revolutionary History
One of the reasons I wanted to visit Cuba was because of its history.
Growing up in the Philippines, I remember seeing Che Guevara’s image on shirts and hearing conversations about Cuba, revolution, and communism. I did not fully understand it then, but it made me curious.
During my tour, our guide shared stories about Che Guevara and his role in Cuban history. It made the trip more meaningful because I was not just looking at buildings and cars — I was learning about the identity of the country.
Cuba is a destination where history is always present.
You see it in the monuments, the streets, the museums, the politics, the art, and even in everyday conversations.
Suggested Havana Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Arrival and First Walk Around Havana
Arrive at José Martí International Airport, arrange your transfer in advance, and settle into your accommodation.
If you arrive early enough, take a relaxed walk around your neighborhood. Do not over-schedule your first day. Havana is best absorbed slowly.
End the day with dinner, music, or a mojito near your accommodation.
Day 2: Old Havana DIY Walking Tour
Spend the day exploring Old Havana on foot.
Focus on plazas, colonial streets, architecture, cafes, and nearby landmarks. Use an offline map if you do not have data. This is also a good day to visit or photograph El Capitolio, Paseo del Prado, and the Bacardi Building.
This was the kind of day I enjoyed most — walking with no rush and letting the city surprise me.
Day 3: Classic Car Tour and Malecón
Book a classic car tour for a deeper introduction to Havana.
A guided tour helps you see neighborhoods and landmarks that may be harder to cover on foot. After the tour, spend time near the Malecón, especially around sunset.
This gives you the best combination of iconic Havana: classic cars, sea views, history, and local atmosphere.
Day 4: Museums, Fusterlandia, or Extra Slow Day
If you have one more day, visit museums, return to your favorite area, explore Fusterlandia, or simply enjoy Havana slowly.
Cuba is not a place I would recommend rushing. The charm is in the atmosphere.
Practical Havana Travel Tips
Do Not Rely Fully on Expedia for Havana Flights
When I searched for flights to Havana, Expedia did not display the options I needed. I eventually booked through Cuba Travel Network, and they were responsive to my emails. If you are planning a Cuba trip, check multiple booking sources and confirm everything directly before paying.
Arrange Your Airport Transfer Before Arrival
My airport transfer was arranged through my Airbnb host, and I highly recommend doing the same if you are visiting Cuba for the first time. Internet can be unreliable after landing, so having your pickup already arranged helps avoid stress.
Use Airbnb Carefully but Strategically
I booked my accommodation through Airbnb because I wanted to stay close to interesting spots in Havana. The location made it easier to walk, explore, and join nearby excursions. For Cuba, location matters a lot because
getting online and arranging transport on the spot may not be as easy as in other destinations.
Ask Your Accommodation Host About Money Exchange
During my trip, ATMs were hard to find, so my Airbnb host helped me exchange money instead. This made the process easier and less stressful. In Cuba, having a helpful host can make a big difference, especially for practical things like transport, money, internet, and local advice.
Prepare for Weak Internet
Public Wi-Fi in Cuba can be scarce, and even accommodation Wi-Fi may be slow. Download offline maps, save screenshots, and do important research before arrival.
Do Not Depend Only on eSIMs
Unlike many travel destinations, Cuba has more limited and complicated connectivity options. Tourist SIM cards exist, but connection quality may still vary. Prepare offline first, then treat mobile data as a backup.
Bring Enough Cash
Cuba can be complicated when it comes to money. Bring enough cash, check current exchange rules, and ask your host for updated advice. Do not assume ATMs or cards will always be easy to use.
Learn Basic Spanish
Even a few basic Spanish phrases can help. English is spoken in tourist areas, but not everywhere.
Do Not Rush Havana
Havana is not only about attractions. It is about music, streets, colors, people, architecture, and atmosphere.
Is Havana Safe for Solo Travelers?
From my personal experience, I felt safe walking around Havana alone during the day.
There were officers visible in some areas, and the main tourist zones felt comfortable for solo exploration. Still, like any destination, you should stay aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and be careful at night.
Havana felt welcoming to me, but practical caution is still important.
My Honest Thoughts About Visiting Havana
Havana was not the easiest destination I had visited, but it was one of the most memorable.
It was beautiful, but not polished. Colorful, but also complicated. Historic, but still alive. It had music and nostalgia, but also signs of struggle. That contrast is part of what made it unforgettable.
For me, Cuba was not just another Caribbean destination. It was a place I had wondered about since I was young. Seeing Che Guevara’s image back in the Philippines, hearing about Cuba’s history, and then finally walking the streets of Havana made the trip feel personal.
I came for the classic cars, architecture, and curiosity.
I left with a deeper appreciation for how travel can turn something distant and mysterious into something real.
When I boarded my flight from Havana back to Cancun, and then onward to the United States, I carried more than photos. I carried the feeling of having finally stepped into a country that had lived in my imagination for years.
Cuba was now checked off my bucket list.
But Havana stayed with me.
Final Thoughts: Is Havana Worth Visiting?
Yes, Havana is absolutely worth visiting — especially if you love culture, architecture, history, photography, and places that feel different from the usual tourist destinations.
It is not a perfect destination. You need to prepare more carefully than you would for many other Caribbean trips.
Money, internet, entry documents, and logistics require planning.
But if you arrive with patience and curiosity, Havana rewards you.
For first-time visitors, I recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in Havana. That gives you enough time to explore Old Havana, take a classic car tour, visit El Capitolio, walk the Malecón, enjoy Cuban music, and experience the atmosphere without rushing.
Havana is not just a city you visit.
It is a city you feel.
FAQs About Visiting Havana, Cuba
How many days do you need in Havana?
You should spend at least 3 to 4 days in Havana. This gives you time to explore Old Havana, take a classic car tour, visit El Capitolio, walk along the Malecón, and enjoy the city without rushing.
Is Havana good for first-time visitors to Cuba?
Yes. Havana is the best place to start if it is your first time in Cuba because it has the country’s most iconic architecture, classic cars, museums, music, restaurants, and historic neighborhoods.
Is Havana safe for solo travelers?
Based on my experience, Havana felt safe for solo walking in the main areas during the day. Still, travelers should use normal precautions, avoid flashing valuables, and be careful at night.
Do you need cash in Cuba?
Yes. It is best to bring enough cash because card payments and ATM access can be unreliable or complicated. During my trip, ATMs were hard to find, and my Airbnb host helped me exchange money instead.
Can you use eSIMs in Cuba?
Some tourist SIM and mobile data options exist, but internet in Cuba can still be slow, limited, or inconsistent. I would not rely only on an eSIM. Download offline maps and save your bookings before arrival.
What is the best way to explore Havana?
The best way to explore Havana is by combining a DIY walking tour of Old Havana with a guided classic car tour. Walking lets you feel the city slowly, while a classic car tour helps you see more landmarks and neighborhoods.
Is El Capitolio worth visiting?
Yes. El Capitolio is one of Havana’s most impressive buildings and a must-see for architecture lovers. Even if you cannot enter the interior, the exterior alone is worth seeing.
Can you visit Havana from Cancun?
Yes. I personally flew from Cancun to Havana. The flight was short and smooth, making Cancun a convenient route for visiting Cuba from Mexico.
Is public Wi-Fi easy to find in Cuba?
From my experience, public Wi-Fi was very scarce, and even my accommodation Wi-Fi was slow. Prepare offline before arriving.
